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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 12, 2020 · Piper PA28 161 · N8408E

Santa Barbara, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 12, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 161 (1981)
Tail Number
N8408E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20CA087

The pilot reported that, upon receiving clearance to taxi from air traffic control, he proceeded to taxi onto what he thought was the centerline of the taxiway in nighttime conditions. During the taxi, the airplane suddenly turned right. The pilot stopped the airplane and thought something on the ground had made "the wheel turn." He looked at the right wing but noticed nothing abnormal. After the airplane was airborne, the pilot saw that part of the right wingtip was separated. The pilot continued the flight and landed uneventfully at his destination. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing had sustained substantive structural damage. A portion of the airplane's right wingtip was found underneath a damaged wing on an unoccupied airplane that was parked adjacent to the taxiway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Aircraft-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that upon receiving clearance to taxi from air traffic control, he proceeded to taxi onto what he thought was the centerline of taxiway Charlie in nighttime conditions. During the taxi, the airplane suddenly turned to the right. The pilot stated he stopped the airplane and thought something on the ground made "the wheel turn" and he looked at the right wing, noting nothing abnormal. He added that after they were airborne, he saw that part of the right wingtip was separated. The pilot continued the flight and landed uneventfully at his destination.Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. A portion of the accident airplanes right wingtip was located underneath a damaged wing on an unoccupied airplane that was parked adjacent to taxiway Charlie at the departure airport. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:10 PST
Nearest AirportSanta Barbara Muni (1nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 161
Tail NumberN8408E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 36 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time05:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data